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I had that thought process as well. He never would have known if I hadnt told him.

I made the decision that if he came up to me and stopped and engaged us in conversation (there was a small group of 3 of us), then I would let him know. I imagined things such that I would just hand it to him and he would then know and we could continue the conversation without a hitch and I would have fulfilled my obligation. If it had been the supervisor I am sure that there would have never been an issue.

What is anyone elses thoughts? Does contacted by LEO meen a stop and chat as well or does it meen an official action?

Austin, this is my first post to the forum. I have watched this site for a long time and feel I need to respond to the injustice that is going on. First: You have my full respect due to your character and how you handled the situation with the less than intelligent snidley237. Second: Snidley237 needs to find another forum because he will never be able to make a post on this forum that will be respected. He has proven to be of low aptitude! Your a stand up guy, thank you!

Austin - Thank you for your PG work.. You earn my respect as you do not just appreciate the military and veterans, but put feet and hands to your appreciation..

Sorry for the issue with the rookie cop.. Hopefully his fellow officers explained a thing or two to him after they left.. Explained to him things like:
by having the card in the 1st place means you have been fully checked out,
you have paid the $$$ required and had appropriate training,
and that by having the card you are one of the good guys and not a bad guy who wouldn't take the time/money, they would just carry..

The fact that you were doing PG duty should have been enough for the PO to suspect that you are on the good side...

As a Patriot Guard Rider and a correctional officer (Lieutenant) I cannot see where Austin did any wrong. He was legal in carrying. I do not believe that a funeral procession falls into the category of public events. The LEO needs to educate himself about civilians carrying. Having the permit indicates that you are a law abiding citizen.

The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose. - Frederick Douglass

I had that thought process as well. He never would have known if I hadnt told him.

I made the decision that if he came up to me and stopped and engaged us in conversation (there was a small group of 3 of us), then I would let him know. I imagined things such that I would just hand it to him and he would then know and we could continue the conversation without a hitch and I would have fulfilled my obligation. If it had been the supervisor I am sure that there would have never been an issue.

What is anyone elses thoughts? Does contacted by LEO meen a stop and chat as well or does it meen an official action?

Austin, having previously worked in law enfocement , I would interpret that requirement as relating an official contact...a car stop, being detained for investigation, etc. However, I don't know the laws of your state,so you should get some official opinion on it..please post when you do, I am curious
:-)

This is copied from the Oklahoma Self Defense Act Handbook. It states that when the person first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer, not when contacted by law enforcement. To me that means that I am supposed to inform when there is any contact. If I pass a cop walking down the sidewalk I am not going to chase after them to tell them that I am carrying. But, if they stop and engage me in conversation then I believe that I am required to inform. Then again this is just my interpretation of a law, but I feel that it is better to err on the side of caution.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to identify the fact that the person is in actual possession of a concealed handgun pursuant to the authority of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act when the person first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer of this state or its political subdivisions or a federal law enforcement officer during the course of any arrest, detainment, or routine traffic stop. No person shall be required to identify himself or herself as a concealed handgun licensee when no handgun is in the person’s possession or in any vehicle in which the person is driving or is a passenger. Any violation of the provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to any criminal prosecution for a violation of the provisions of this subsection, the licensee shall be subject to a six-month suspension of the license and an administrative fine of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), upon a hearing and determination by the Bureau that the person is in violation of the provisions of this subsection

This is copied from the Oklahoma Self Defense Act Handbook. It states that when the person first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer, not when contacted by law enforcement. To me that means that I am supposed to inform when there is any contact. If I pass a cop walking down the sidewalk I am not going to chase after them to tell them that I am carrying. But, if they stop and engage me in conversation then I believe that I am required to inform. Then again this is just my interpretation of a law, but I feel that it is better to err on the side of caution.

I would interpret that as any official act by a LEO (detainment, arrest, etc.). If you read the law in its broadest form, you would have to inform if you're merely holding the door open for a cop who his behind you. That's a bit much, in my opinion.

I'm pretty sure your state's legislature meant that you are required to inform any LEO that you are carrying if you are engaged with a LEO in an official capacity. I hope I'm right, or else I would hate to be a cop in your area!

If you find out a more clear answer, please post it: you've piqued my curiosity.

I was at a Patriot Guard Mission and an officer was there on duty to do the escort. Anyhow he ended up coming up to me and talking with me while I was utilizing my ccw permit. I handed him the card and didnt say anything, he asked me if i had it right now and I said yes. His whole demeanor changed right then, he walked off, put his cruiser as a barrier between us, and got on the phone. Within 15 minutes two other officers came up to the funeral and had a big discussion. One of the officers that came by was obviously a supervisor. The supervisor was all calm and cool with everything and the rookie (first officer) always kept a barrier between us. Soon the officers were talking with the ride captain and you could tell it was about me as the rookie kept on pointing in my direction. There was nothing else that came of it as we went to do the flag line soon and the officers went on about their business. I guess this shows that the rookie officers are not really as cool with CCW as the supervisors. And that a bunch of bikers (several of them patched) carrying guns is probably what rookie cops dream of at night.

If the officer hadnt acted all weird about everything I could have put him at ease by showing him my badge. I am a Sergeant for the State of Oklahoma Department of Corrections. But whats the fun in that right?

The Oklahoma DOC does not authorize off duty carry for the officers. But since we are Law Enforcement it does tend to put other Law Enforcement at ease. However, I have never met an officer that would hassle a DOC officer for carrying concealed.

I carry and will definitely use if needed. So I got the license to cover myself in court.

I have had ex-inmates spot me at walmart and holler out "hey sergeant ______," that is an interesting feeling when you are with your family. I am unfortunately one of the officers that makes enemies.